Introducing the All-New 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty

Higher trailering capability and confidence are driven by new hardware and technologies

 

DETROIT — Bigger, stronger and smarter, the all-new 2020 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty combines greater trailering capability with technologies designed to provide customers with a world-class towing experience.

“The all-new 2020 Sierra HD is the most capable heavy-duty truck that we’ve ever offered,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “For customers who demand a premium, innovative heavy-duty truck that supports their passions, the next-generation Sierra HD can pull like a pro.”

Form and function come together in the new Sierra Heavy Duty, with features that include:

• An enhanced ProGrade Trailering system featuring class-leading available 15 camera views, including a segment-first transparent trailer view to virtually see through a trailer in tow.¹
• An available smart trailer designed to integrate the iN∙Command® control system from ASA Electronics² provides the ability to monitor and control select functions of compatibly equipped trailers through the myGMC mobile app³.
• A segment-exclusive available 15-inch-diagonal head-up display that offers useful trailering information, including vehicle speed, navigation information and an inclinometer display for the road grade.
• An available segment-first Rear Camera Mirror.
• MultiPro, the world’s first six-function tailgate, allows easier loading, unloading and bed access and is available on all trim levels.
• A larger, commanding design that provides more room for cargo and occupants.
• Best-in-class Crew Cab front headroom and legroom for the driver and other front-row occupants.
• An all-new, segment-first, Allison 10-speed automatic transmission mated to the legendary 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel.

·         For those looking to take refined capability off-road, GMC fortifies the new AT4 brand with an all-new Sierra AT4 Heavy Duty available for Crew Cab configurations as both a 2500 and 3500 single rear wheel offering.

With more than half of Sierra HD customers choosing Denali, it continues to offer the ultimate expression of professional grade materials and refinement. The all-new model delivers power, intelligence and segment advancements to meet the needs of heavy-duty customers with discerning taste.

ProGrade Trailering Technology

First introduced with the 2019 Sierra light duty, the ProGrade Trailering System leverages technology advancements to offer additional features and functionality for the 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty.

“Trailering is the most important consideration for Sierra Heavy Duty customers, and the new features and technologies in the 2020 Sierra HD make it easier than ever to hitch a trailer and tow it confidently,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, vehicle chief engineer, Heavy Duty Trucks. “We’ve developed this new truck to offer the greatest trailering experience ever offered by GMC.”

An available class-leading 15 unique camera views¹, including an industry-first transparent trailer view, help optimize the driver’s view around the truck and compatible trailers to provide added confidence when towing. The revolutionary transparent trailer feature uses the tailgate-mounted camera and an available accessory camera mounted on the rear of the trailer. The resulting display helps the driver to virtually see through the trailer⁴, a benefit when navigating parking lots, merging into traffic or making tight turns.

Owners of the 2020 Sierra HD will have access to available smart trailer technology designed to allow access to select features of the iN∙Command® control system from ASA Electronics² through the myGMC mobile app, either on compatible Android and iOS smartphones or on the vehicle’s infotainment system via Apple CarPlay⁵ or Android Auto⁶.  Similar to the features of a smart home, the iN∙Command® control system acts as the central hub of operations to monitor and control an array of systems in trailers equipped with the next-generation technology. Depending on how a compatibly equipped trailer is configured, owners of the 2020 Sierra HD may be able to turn on the trailer’s air conditioning or water heater, check water and holding tank levels, or monitor fuel levels on trailers equipped with generators — all before arriving at their destination.

The ProGrade Trailering System also includes an in-vehicle Trailering App⁷ with Trailer Light Test, Trailer Electrical Diagnostics, Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring, Pre- Maintenance Reminders and Departure Checklist. Many of the Trailering app’s functions, including the lighting test and pre-departure checklist, are also available with the myGMC mobile app, a feature that offers great convenience when outside the truck or trailer.

Additional available technologies and hardware to aid trailering include:

• Auto Electric Park Brake to automatically apply the parking brake to help maintain truck position when hitching.
• All-new Park Grade Hold Assist enhances hill hold by using braking effort at each wheel for an extended period of time.
• All-new larger, door-mounted trailering mirrors with a four-bar link providing power extend and retract for the driver and passenger sides.
• Integrated trailer brake controller that works with the trailer profile in the Trailering App to recall a specified trailer’s most recent gain setting.
• Tow/Haul mode that remains engaged on the next key-on cycle, for up to four hours; includes a reminder the feature is engaged.
• Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.
• Trailer Sway Control.
• Auto Grade Braking and Diesel Exhaust Braking.
• Digital Variable Steering Assist that dynamically optimizes power steering according to driving scenarios, including trailering, and enables features like road pull compensation.
• Trailering Info Label placed on the driver’s door jamb that clearly calls out the truck’s specific trailering information, including curb weight, GVWR, GCWR, maximum payload, maximum tongue weight and rear GAWR.⁸

Bigger and bolder

The 2020 Sierra HD has a commanding, powerful design rooted in a new architecture with larger proportions. It is taller and longer, with a more confident stance defined by a bold design that epitomizes GMC’s signature refinement and technologically driven attention to detail.  

“We took every opportunity to visually express the strength and capability that lies beneath the surface,” says Matt Noone, director of GMC exterior design. “The elevated hood line, the strong shoulders, the striking front grille — these cues communicate the strength and performance that have been engineered and built into each and every Sierra Heavy Duty.”

The all-new Sierra HD is highlighted by new signature lighting, including prominent “light blades” that deliver LED illumination for the daytime running lamps. LEDs are also used for the headlamps, taillamps, available fog lamps and other illuminative elements, including the available roof marker lights standard on all dual-rear-wheel HDs and all Sierra HD Denalis except where prohibited by law. 

Inside, the Sierra HD’s new interior has best-in-class front head- and legroom (maximum), with Crew Cab models. A higher seating position complements the truck’s taller profile to offer a confident view from behind the wheel. Additional optimized ergonomics emphasize easy, intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s available technologies, such as a heavy-duty segment-first head-up display and GMC’s latest touchscreen infotainment systems.⁹

Denali-exclusive materials — including premium leather-appointed seating, authentic open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum decor — raise the interior’s refinement. The leather appointments have a distinctive, large-pebbled grain with a contrasting stitch pattern that is premium in appearance and touch without sacrificing durability, and the wood trim features an open-pore texture evocative of hand-planed furniture.   

Compared to the current model, the new Sierra Heavy Duty has:

• A longer wheelbase, a taller, more dominant hood line and taller overall height.
• A larger grille and complementing functional hood scoop to feed an advanced cooling system for the Duramax turbo diesel. 
• Class-leading heavy-duty cargo bed volume¹⁰ and 12 corner tie-downs with a new, available 120-volt power outlet.
• One-inch-lower bed lift-in height compared to the 2019 Sierra Heavy Duty, providing easier loading and fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer hitching¹⁰.
• New, segment-exclusive cargo bed side steps on all box styles, located in front of the rear wheel openings, that complement integrated CornerSteps in the rear bumper to improve access to the cargo area.
• World’s first six-function MultiPro tailgate available on all trim levels and standard on SLT, AT4 and Denali.

All-new Sierra AT4 HD: Refined HD Capability Off-Road

The all-new 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty AT4 continues the AT4 brand’s growth with a distinctive off-road identity to complement its robust HD capability. Driven by dark chrome exterior finishes and contemporary detailing, Sierra HD AT4 features front and rear bumpers and a grille surround finished in body color. The bold grille design, with its rugged texture, is finished in black chrome and set off by the AT4’s distinctive red vertical recovery hooks.

The athletic interior also carries AT4-specific darkened trim, including dark-tinted and textured aluminum finishes on the steering wheel, center stack and sill plates, as well as a unique Jet Black interior with Kalahari color accents in the seats and live stitching. Leather-appointed seating, with mini-perforated inserts and embroidered AT4 badging on the headrests, along with all-weather floor liners, is standard delivering durability with uncompromising comfort.

The new Sierra AT4 Heavy Duty’s off-road capabilities are rooted in a unique suspension and supporting technologies that include:

• Off-road suspension, Rancho Shocks, skid plates, Eaton locking rear differential.
• Eighteen-inch wheels wrapped with Michelin all-terrain tires, with 20-inch wheels available.
• Traction Select System with specific Off-Road mode.
• Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.
• Segment-exclusive 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display with Off-Road Inclinometer.
• HD Surround Vision¹ for low-speed views of vehicle surroundings.

Confident trailering power

GMC’s legendary Duramax turbo diesel and Allison Transmission pairing continues to offer the ultimate in towing confidence.

The proven Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine offers high torque, high power, low noise and exceptional durability. For the 2020 Sierra HD, the Duramax offers an SAE-certified 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This already powerful engine performs more efficiently thanks to increased cooling capacity delivered in part by improved air induction. A dual-path intake system draws dense, cool air through both the prominent hood scoop and the larger front grille.

The new Sierra HD marks the introduction of an all-new 10-speed Allison automatic transmission — the first-ever offered in the heavy-duty pickup segment. The all-new 10-speed transmission with closer gear spacing allows the engine to operate in an optimal range at all times with varying load and terrain conditions.

The bigger frame, stronger propulsion and smarter technologies are expected to deliver dramatically greater towing capacity than previous models, well in excess of 30,000 pounds. More details regarding an all-new gas engine and trailering capabilities will be announced shortly.  

Coming late summer 2019

The 2020 Sierra HD goes on sale later this year in 2500HD and 3500HD dual rear wheel and single rear wheel configurations. Pricing and complete specifications will be announced later.

With a $1.5 billion investment to support the next-generation Heavy Duty truck launch, Flint Assembly in Flint, Michigan, will proudly build the 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty. 

About GMC

With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali sub-brand representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @gmc or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

Sierra AT4 Powers Up With New Off-Road Performance Package

 

DETROIT — Defining the premium off-road segment, the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 is now available with the all-new Off-Road Performance Package. The Off-Road Performance Package adds factory-installed performance upgrades that bring additional power and purpose to the Sierra AT4.

“The 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 debuted all-new, purposeful technologies for the premium truck segment and the new Off-Road Performance Package takes it a step farther,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “It offers optimized performance, both on- and off-road.”

The Sierra AT4 Off-Road Performance Package includes:

·         6.2L V-8 engine mated to 10-speed automatic transmission.

·         18-inch machined aluminum wheels with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.

·         Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System.

·         Performance Air Intake.

Thanks to these additions, the AT4 Off-Road Performance Package delivers up to 435 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque — increases of 15 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over a Sierra equipped with a conventional 6.2L V-8 engine. The 6.2L is manufactured at GM’s Tonawanda engine plant in New York and was recently named a Wards 10 Best Engine for 2019.

For 25 years WardsAuto editors have evaluated every all-new or significantly improved engine or electric propulsion system available in production vehicles in the U.S. Vehicles must have a starting MSRP less than $64,000. The editors score eligible vehicles on horsepower, torque, technology, observed fuel economy, relative competitiveness and noise characteristics.

The Off-Road Performance Package’s upgrades build on the Sierra AT4’s distinctive formula of authentic off-road capability, innovative technology and bold design, along with GMC’s premium refinement.

The Sierra AT4 was introduced earlier this year, and content includes:

·         Standard 2-inch factory-installed suspension lift.

·         Standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, locking rear differential and skid plates.

·         Standard off-road-tuned Rancho monotube shock absorbers.

·         Standard Hill Descent Control.

·         Standard Traction Select System.

·         Standard GMC exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate.

·         Standard black chrome finish on the fog lamp bezels, fender surround and grille insert.

·         Standard body-color grille surround, door handles and bumper.

·         Standard exclusive athletic interior trim elements.

·         Standard red vertical recovery hooks.

·         Available segment-first Multi-Color Head-Up Display.

·         Available segment-first Rear Camera Mirror¹.

·         Available GMC-exclusive, industry-first Carbon Fiber Pickup Box².
 

·         A full suite of advanced available safety features including Surround Vision, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking¹.

The Sierra AT4 Off-Road Performance Package has an MSRP (excludes tax) of $4,940 and is on sale now.

About GMC

With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali sub-brand representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @gmc or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

¹Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle's owner's manual for more important feature limitations and information

²Late availability in limited quantity.

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NTEA: More than 100 product rollouts expected at WTS

Ford, FCCC, Freightliner, International, Mack, Nissan, Ram 

among OEMs planning to deliver updates 

The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) says more than 100 companies plan to introduce new work trucks and equipment at Work Truck Week 2019.

The Work Truck Show, North America’s largest work truck event, runs March 5-8 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis IN. Educational sessions, Green Truck Summit, Fleet Technical Congress, and the Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference begin March 5, and the exhibit hall is open March 6–8.

Chevrolet Commercial Vehicles, Ford Commercial Vehicles, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, Freightliner Trucks, Hino Trucks, International Truck, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Kenworth Truck Company, Mack Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Nissan Commercial Vehicles, Peterbilt Motors Company, Ram Commercial, Volvo Trucks and Western Star Trucks plan to exhibit at the event, with 15 of them delivering exclusive chassis update sessions.

During each update session, company representatives provide insights into their future plans related to the work truck industry, share technical information on latest chassis specifications and designs, and review body and equipment installation options. Ford, FCCC, Freightliner, International, Mack, Mitsubishi Fuso, Nissan and Ram also scheduled press conferences at the Show.

“There’s no better place to see what’s new and what’s coming from the industry’s leading OEMs,” the association said.

To help attendees plan which booths to visit, 90 exhibitors are showcasing new products online in advance of the event as part of The Work Truck Show’s exclusive New Product Spotlight and Green Product Showcase programs. Offerings range from transmissions and suspensions to trucks and bodies. They include a variety of innovative power solutions, cargo management systems and vocational equipment from snowplows to cranes. To learn more about these products, visit the featured exhibitors section of the online floorplan at worktruckshow.com/floorplan.

“Every year at The Work Truck Show, the industry’s leading manufacturers of vocational vehicles, components and equipment converge on Indianapolis to showcase their newest products and share what’s coming next,” says Steve Carey, NTEA president and CEO. “With all the major players here, The Work Truck Show is the best place to take the pulse of the commercial vehicle community and find the equipment and education you need to continue to improve your operations.”

Show attendees will have the opportunity to check out products from 26 first-time exhibitors in a special New Exhibitor Pavilion that opens an hour before the exhibit hall on Wednesday, March 6 and Thursday, March 7. It’s located across from the Hall I exhibit hall entrance.

The Work Truck Show main exhibit floor covers more than 500,000 square feet. The event includes an educational conference with sessions designed to help attendees improve their operations.

“Anyone who works with commercial vehicles, including public and private truck fleet operators, manufacturers, dealers and equipment distributors, can find solutions to their business challenges at the Show,” NTEA said.

For more information and to register, visit worktruckshow.com or call 800-441-6832.

Source: https://www.trailer-bodybuilders.com/truck-equipment/ntea-more-100-product-rollouts-expected-wts

EZ STAK - WHO WE ARE

We are a global manufacturer of high quality mobile workspace systems, providing our Customers the joy of a well organized, safe and secure work environment.

We are a global manufacturer in providing safe, secure and well-organized vehicle storage solutions.

Founded in 1998, EZ STAK is an industry leader and manufacturer of vehicle interior storage systems for service utility work trucks and vans. Our durable, secure and lightweight aluminum storage drawers, cabinets, hardware and shelving units create organized, efficient and secure mobile work environments. EZ STAK’s fleet vehicle upfitting products are used extensively by municipalities as well as large corporations in the utility, telecom, cable, oil and gas, and construction industries.

EZ STAK’s design and engineering team utilizes the latest SolidWorks 3D technology to create standardized storage systems and customized solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers. Our manufacturing process ensures predictable, accurate installations and superior build quality. From our strategically located manufacturing and distribution centers in Chicago, Illinois and Kingston, Ontario, we quickly and efficiently deliver our complete line of products through our network of dealers, distributors and manufacturing representative groups. EZ STAK embraces Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma quality standards, resulting in predictable lead times, value for clients and a respectful workplace.

EZ STAK is committed to providing exceptional customer service and workmanship making EZ STAK products the preferred and trusted choice for major fleets globally.

Modular Product Specialties: Service utility vehicles, work trucks, mobile workshops, service body drawer systems, commercial vehicle equipment systems for walk-in and van bodies, lightweight aluminum storage systems for fleet vehicles and service body trucks.

We know you have choice when it comes to finding a vehicle storage solution. So why go with us? Here are 10 reasons to start.

•     We don’t point at a catalog and say, “Pick one.” We specialize in working one-on-one, until we find a configurable storage solution that suits how your team works in the field.
•     You prefer turnkey solutions? We have those too. Our pre-engineered interior packages exclusively for walk-in truck and service body OEM’s are unmatched in the industry.
•     Don’t wait days or even weeks to get a response to a quote, drawing or question. With our Customer Care Program, you’ll hear from us right away.
•     Some companies work only with steel. Not us. Our high-grade aluminum drawers and cabinets weigh 40% less than steel, so they can significantly reduce your fuel costs.
•     The quality of our materials and workmanship ensures, on average, a 12-year life expectancy for all of our products. Try finding a higher number with the other guys. In fact, we offer a LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY!
•     One reason our aluminum drawers last longer than others out there is that we use platform mounts to attach them to the truck body. This adds rigidity and strength.
•     Don’t have two free hands to open a drawer while on the job? Don’t worry. Our EZ Latch drawer mechanism allows you to easily open them with one hand.

•     We are the only company out there that uses two heavy-duty latches on our aluminum drawers — one on each side. This makes it much easier to access your tools and parts.
•     Three words: Build Your Own. Design your ideal walk-in interior with our online tool at ezstak.com and then submit it for quoting. Bet the other guys don’t let you do that.
•     Our ambitions are global, but our storage solutions are made local. Based in Schaumburg, Illinois, our products are proudly manufactured in the USA.

EZ STAK LLC
22620 Fisher Rd
Watertown, NY 13601
P: 630.994.3300
F: 630.390.2343
E: info@ezstak.com

Find out more at: https://ezstak.com

5 Tips to Increase Fuel Economy

 

When budgeting for expenses, there are a lot of things that fall outside of your control. For the most part, fuel can be one of those things that’s generally “just a cost of doing business.” However, there are a lot of things you can consider to reduce, or mitigate as much as possible, fuel costs on the job. Check out these five things to consider.

Idle Time

Idling your work truck on the jobsite has become a fairly common practice, and sometimes it’s necessary. At times, things like inverters, power takeoffs, air compressors, and more require the engine to be cranking in order to work. However, don’t let the necessity to idle for those functions become a common occurrence of convenience when it isn’t needed. You’d be surprised how quickly cutting those idle minutes can add up over the span of months or years.

Vehicle Maintenance

For a glut of reasons, you should be properly maintaining your work trucks. But one added benefit to regular maintenance is increased fuel economy. Regular fluid changes, changing filters, and routine engine tune-ups keep your truck’s powerplant optimally efficient. In addition to maintaining the powertrain, properly worn and inflated tires can make a big difference in fuel efficiency.

Slim down

Do you really need to carry everything and the kitchen sink from jobsite to jobsite? You don’t, and your truck will thank you for not doing so. Loading your truck with only the tools for the job at hand reduces weight, and reduced weight is a major factor in fuel economy.

Lose the Leadfoot

Your driving habits may be the number one factor in fuel efficiency. When you drive with the intention of efficiency, it shows. While it might be a slow and steady ride, your wallet will thank you later for taking it easy on the gas pedal. Planning service calls in an efficient manner can help you save time and miles. Make sure you’re not driving cross-town multiple times when a little planning could have gone a lot further.

Right Truck, Right Job

This isn’t something you can change on the fly, but our last suggestion is the make sure you’ve got a fleet that’s appropriate for your line of work. If you’re over-specing your vehicles, you’re wasting fuel. If you’re under-specing your trucks, you’re also wasting fuel. It’s vital that you put a lot of thought into having the right class of truck, truck body, and work, trailers that allow you to do your job, and do it most efficiently.

Source:  https://www.knapheide.com/news/blog/2019/01/5-tips-to-increase-fuel-economy

A No Compromise Design: Aluminum Truck Bodies from Knapheide

A new material, a new design. Our team of experts sought out to design aluminum truck bodies that are just as durable as steel. The promise to deliver the best could only be accomplished by taking a clean sheet approach. The result is a revolutionary designed lineup of aluminum truck bodies never before seen.

Learn more about our aluminum bodies: http://bit.ly/KnapheideAluminum

California Welding Operation Relies on ArcReach Technology

ArcReach® technology lets welders adjust parameters at the weld joint, reducing walks to the power source across a crowded worksite.

Trip and fall hazards are common on a typical jobsite. But with Miller ArcReach technology, welders can remotely set up and make process and parameter adjustments for stick, TIG, MIG, flux-cored and advanced wire processes - all at the weld joint. That means operators with California-based M&M Welding spend less time walking to the power source and more time welding, resulting in fewer opportunities for jobsite injuries.

 Learn more about ArcReach technology at: https://www.millerwelds.com/products/...